8 May 2009
O
Ohio’s Country Journal
PINION
Moving toward sustainability
Ohio’s Country Journal Staff
800-686-8299 • 614-273-0465
ByROBeRtJ. BOGGS, DIReCtOR, OHIO apply fewer fertilizers and pesticides, Ohio farmers and the state’s economy.
D
Fax 614-273-0463
ePaRtMeNtOFaGRICULtURe while producing higher quality products The U.S. Department of Agriculture has
“The great thing in the world is not so often at higher yields. Methane digesters found that for every $5 spent in food
1625 Bethel Road
much where we stand, as in what direction and wind turbines also are making their assistance benefits, $9.20 is generated in Columbus, OH 43220-2071
we are moving.” When it comes to examin- way onto Ohio farms, turning wind and total community spending.
www.ocj.com • E-mail: ocjstaff@ocj.com
ing how far we’ve come in Ohio, there is animal waste into a renewable power Farmers are doing their part. The state
great truth in Oliver Wendell Holmes’ source to run their operations. At the end is doing its part. Beginning April 27, citi- production department
words that is still applicable today. of the day, all of these efforts will lead to zens can also do their part to help sup-
In 1969, we were a carefree, throw-away healthier communities, more profitable port sustainable agricultural initiatives in
Editor KYLE SHARP
society infamous for Cleveland’s farms, greater protection of our natural Ohio by purchasing a sustainable agri- ExT. 207, ageditor@ocj.com
Cuyahoga River fire that sparked national resources and an improved climate. culture license plate for their vehicles.
attention to our environmental problems. On the state level, Gov. Ted Strickland Sales generated from the plate will help
Managing Editor KIM LEMMON
In 2009, we are a society cognizant of our recognizes the importance of sustainability maximize the environmental, economic ExT. 209, ocjstaff@ocj.com
actions, moving toward self-sufficiency to the state and ordered the creation of the and social benefits sustainable agricul-
and sustainability. We use canvas shopping Ohio Food Policy Council, which is chaired ture provides us, through grant projects
Assistant Editor MATT REESE
bags, we repair and re-use, and we are con- by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. made available to producers seeking to ExT. 210, mreese@ocj.com
nected to the needs of our local communi- The council is charged with maximizing improve the sustainability of their farms.
ties. We have re-discovered one of the the benefits of the food and agricultural Agriculture and food production has
Accounting/ SHERYL JOHNSON
undeniable benefits of reducing waste: sector to the state’s economy and environ- an immense impact on Ohio, its citizens Circulation ExT. 201, sjohnson@ocj.com
what is best for the environment is often ment while ensuring all Ohioans have and our quality of life. Not only does our
best for our wallets. Agriculture, one of the access to fresh and healthy foods. Ohioans food and agriculture industry provide us
Web Developer Jamie Banbury
state’s top industries, is following that spend about $35 billion each year on food. with food, clothing and shelter, but it Ext. 203, jbanbury@ocj.com
movement of sustainability. By meeting only 10% of this demand with also continues to be a bright spot in a
Sustainable agriculture means many Ohio-grown and Ohio-raised products, we suffering economy. Annually, this indus-
Marketing specialists
different things to many different people, could keep $7 billion in the state. try contributes $98 billion to the state’s
HEATHER HETTERICK
but the most simple and encompassing The Food Policy Council, a public-pri- economy and provides one in seven
explanation is that it is a process agricul- vate partnership, is examining ways to do Ohioans with good jobs, on and off the
419-303-4667, heather@ohioagnet.com
tural producers use to grow and manufac- just that and working to achieve its other farm. With the current economic chal-
LORI LAWRENCE
ture food for an increasing population that goals, including connecting Ohio produc- lenges and the rise of biofuels and other
614-395-9513, llawrence@ocj.com
maximizes benefits to the economy, the ers and consumers, supporting local grow- green-energy initiatives, producers recog-
environment, and the quality of life for ers, and reducing environmental effects of nize this as an opportune time to focus Published by
farmers and society as a whole. In Ohio, it long-distance transportation. In addition, on sustainable agriculture.
is a three-pronged effort among our pro- the council is maximizing the benefits of Ohio agriculture is already preserving
AGRICOMMUNICATORS INC.
ducers, the State of Ohio and citizens. local food systems, protecting state soil and our rural heritage, supporting the state’s
Publisher BART JOHNSON
Sustainability has long been part of the water resources, and assuring all Ohioans economy and helping us meet our green
ExT. 205, bjohnson@ocj.com
consciousness of the agricultural commu- have access to fresh and healthy foods energy needs. Supporting and promoting
nity. With each passing day, the state’s from preschools to senior centers. sustainable agricultural practices ensures Ohio’s Country Journal isnotresponsibleformore
nearly 76,000 farmers are adapting with For the first time ever, the state is Ohioans will be able to enjoy these bene- thanoneincorrectinsertionofanadvertisement
the times to work smarter, increase efficien- offering grants to assist farmers’ markets fits and live off the land for many years andwillreruninalatereditionorcancelchargeson
cies and produce superior products that in costs associated with installing the to come. theincorrectpartoftheadwhichisinerroronly.
are good for the producer, good for the infrastructure necessary to accept food In the midst of a new planting season, Nocopyofaquestionablenatureknowinglywillbe
people and good for the environment. assistance benefits. The Farmers’ Market let us remember to celebrate how far we printed.Also,thispublicationwillnotberespon-
Advances in conservation practices and Access Project is increasing healthy food have come, and how the agriculture
sibleforanymisunderstandingorlosseswhich
production technologies allow farmers to choices for all Ohioans and promoting industry is leading us into a new age
maydevelopthroughitsadvertisement.Wereserve
preserve the integrity of the land, and the sale of Ohio foods, which benefits of sustainability.
therighttocensororrejectandtodeterminewhat
isquestionableorobjectionableadvertising.
environmental lessons learned from Ohio Farmers
Copyright,2009,AgriCommunicatorsInc.,
Ohio’s Country Journal.Nopartofthispublication
ByU.S. SeN. GeORGeVOINOVICH(R-OHIO) to lessen our dependence on foreign I am happy to say that when I was
maybereproducedinanyformorbyanymeans,
At this year’s recent Farm Forum, I sources of oil by replacing petroleum in governor of Ohio I appointed the Ohio
mechanical,photocopying,orotherwise,without
met with Ohio’s agricultural leaders to everyday products such as ink toners, Farmland Preservation Task Force to
theexpresswrittenpermissionof
AgriCommunicators.
discuss with them the status of Ohio’s plastics, foams and powder coatings. devise incentives to stop the loss of pro-
leading industry. In turn, they shared Ohio farmers and ranchers are working ductive farm acreage. One recommenda- Ohio’sCountryJournal(ISSN1082-
with me their thoughts on the opportu- diligently and successfully to provide tion of the task force that I implemented 7854)ispublishedsemi-monthly24
nities and challenges facing the indus- Ohioans and Americans with affordable right away was the creation of the Office timesayearbyAgriCommunicators,Inc.,
try and what solutions they recom- biodegradable products made with plant of Farmland Preservation within the
1625BethelRd.,Columbus,OH43220-
mend to assist Ohio farmers. material, which is good for our farmers Department of Agriculture to coordinate
2071.Periodicalspostagepaidat
It was made clear at the forum that Ohio and good for our environment. statewide efforts to retain farms. Since
Columbus,Ohio,andadditionalmailing
is home to some of the most resourceful I want to take this opportunity to 1999, the department’s easement programs
offices.POSTMASTER:Sendaddress
and productive farmers in the world. While highlight three Ohio farmers who have have preserved nearly 200 farms totaling
changestoOhio’sCountryJournal,1625
commodity prices have come down and recently earned national recognition for more than 35,000 acres.
BethelRd.,Columbus,OH43220-2071.
producers are struggling with high input their stewardship of the environment. I am always happy to do my part to
Editorialandadvertisingofficesarelocat-
costs and credit challenges, the industry John and Jim Anderson, of Shreve, assist Ohio farmers and the environment.
edatthesameaddress.Annualsubscrip-
continues to make worthy advancements. recently were honored with the John and Jim Anderson and John Buck are
tionpriceis$14peryear.Ohio’sCountry
Journalreservestherighttoeditorrefuse
The agbioresource industry of today American Sheep Industry Association’s living examples of how one person can
allmaterialwhichmightbeobjectionable
not only provides us with a safe and reli- Environmental Stewardship make a big difference in helping the envi-
incontentorappearance.Nomaterial
able food and fiber supply but with Award. Additionally, John Buck was ronment, and I applaud them for their out-
containedwithinOhio’sCountryJournal
renewable energy and everyday products recently named the “2009 standing efforts. My hope has always been
maybereproducedorusedwithoutthe
made with our own homegrown com- Conservationist of the Year” by the that our children’s children will receive a
priorapprovalofOhio’sCountryJournal.
modities. Soybeans and corn are helping American Soybean Association. world better than the one we inherited.
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